Jennifer Russ
Teacher (6 years) Instructional Designer
Russ Learning & Strategy
ID Bootcamp (Now the Certification Program)
Jennifer transitioned from six years of teaching into a corporate role as a Learning Business Partner at Suburban Propane, where her portfolio helped her stand out and land the position.
The stress and overwhelm of teaching finally reached a breaking point, and Jennifer chose to put herself first, channeling her love of designing engaging learning experiences into a new career in instructional design. She joined the ID Bootcamp (now the ID Professional Certification Program) and found the structure, real-world projects, and community she needed to make the leap.
“The program wasn't just a learning experience, it was a turning point.”
— Jennifer Russ
A Portfolio Built on Real-World Projects
Jennifer's portfolio showcases her ability to translate complex, specialized information into clear and actionable learning experiences.
With a healthcare flagship project at its center, her portfolio gave hiring managers a concrete look at her instructional design skills and her capacity to work with subject matter experts in high-stakes environments.
Apply NowDesigning Safe Patient Care for Nurses
Jennifer's flagship project tackled a real-world challenge: preparing new nurses to assess and manage patients at risk of falls. She collaborated with a registered nurse as her subject matter expert, translating complex healthcare information into scenario-based practice with immediate feedback.
The collaboration pushed her to synthesize technical information into meaningful practice: the moment, as she put it, she started thinking like an instructional designer.
From Portfolio to Offer Letter
Jennifer's transition wasn't instant. It took months of applications, interviews, and rejections before things clicked. But her persistence paid off.
With a polished portfolio that showcased her healthcare project and other work, she began to stand out. That effort led her to Suburban Propane, where she accepted a six-month full-time contract as a Learning Business Partner, a role where she collaborates closely with leadership to expand the training function and introduce innovative learning solutions.
Reflecting on her journey, Jennifer credits the bootcamp for more than just technical skills: it gave her the confidence to embrace change, the feedback to refine her craft, and a community that supported her every step of the way.
“Before I joined the program, I was at a major crossroads in my career. As a former educator, I loved creating engaging lessons, connecting with learners, and finding creative ways to make information meaningful. But I also knew I was ready to leave the classroom.”
“From day one, the coursework showed me what instructional designers actually do and gave me a clear roadmap for the skills I'd need to succeed. The projects mirrored the kind of deliverables I now create in my role, which made the transition feel real and achievable. One of the most transformative aspects was the feedback I received from Devlin's team. Their detailed insights pushed me to refine my work and helped me start thinking like a true instructional designer.”
“Looking back, the program wasn't just a learning experience, it was a turning point. It gave me the tools, the feedback, and the confidence to pursue a new career. Today, I'm working as a Learning Business Partner, applying the very skills I built in the bootcamp. More than anything, the program showed me that it's possible to align my passions and strengths with meaningful, rewarding work.”
